Draw confirmed, cup stays in Cromwell

Kerry Dowling
Kerry Dowling
The referee's decision is final - and so the disputed score in the White Horse Challenge Cup match between Wakatipu and Cromwell remains as referee Matt Green called it, a 31-31 draw.

Saturday's game for the coveted trophy ended in total confusion, with Wakatipu believing it had clung on to win 31-30, and Cromwell convinced the score was 31 apiece, meaning it retained the cup.

Wakatipu lodged a protest over the result, which was considered by the Otago Country Rugby Board at a meeting held in Alexandra last night.

"After giving consideration to arguments put forward by the Wakatipu Rugby Club and Cromwell Rugby Football Club representatives, as well as statements provided by the referee and assistant referees ... the board unanimously reaffirmed the result as recorded by the referee,'' deputy chairman Kerry Dowling said.

In Saturday's match, played at Cromwell, Wakatipu had been on course for a big win, leading 26-6 at halftime.

Cromwell then came roaring back, and a late try was converted - which it believed tied the scores.

However, Wakatipu - believing it was ahead by a point - held on to possession of the ball then kicked it out at fulltime.

Both teams then celebrated, with each believing it held the cup.

Five days and one board meeting later, Cromwell can now claim that honour.

The protest was heard by the Otago Country Rugby board not the Otago Rugby Football Union board, as reported yesterday.

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